A Very Long Day . . .

On Friday, we went on a structured tour. I am not even sure that I can remember all the stops that we made along the way. I do remember stopping at Maidens Bay, the Marina, Cape Point, Cape Hope, the Penguins, and the botanical gardens that was all before dinner. Then I adventured out an ate at a traditional Ethiopian restaurant! What a day - this is definitely geared towards the energy level of a 24 year old, which I am increasingly aware that I am not! I'll probably do a separate page for each venue so that I can include a representative picture for now, let me just give you some of my overall impressions.

It is interesting to me what post-apartheid South Africa looks like. I have to be generous because new South Africa (as some call it) is just in its teens. The United States is over 200 years old and we are still battling some of the very same issues. Having said that, I am constantly amazed about the ease with which they speak of race. There are generally recognized to have four races: whites, colored (mixed race), Indian, and Black. As we have been driving around South Africa, I have been amazed how easy it is to point to a community and say "that is a colored neighborhood". Or in one case, they were talking about the area down by the marina which had traditionally been all white, but since apartheid, a settlement had been established. This is back to those make-shift communities made out of random scrap metal, often without electricity. That is what he points to to show that they have integrated. Of course, he adds that the values of the houses had decreased in value by 50% because they now had a "poor neighbor." If found the use of the word neighbor interesting because it was as if the entire black community were an entity rather that a population of people.

The natural beauty in South Africa is just overwhelming; it is all so majestic! I can't imagine that people can't see the creator behind all of this. There is no way that this is anything but intentional and, oh my, the creativity, it has to be an awesome God! Okay, enough. The range of experiences has been incredible. I saw some of the most beautiful coast lines, mountains, while also seeing Whales, baboons, as well as various varieties of antelope and this all before the safari!

Today is a kind down day as we just travel to Durban. Can you imagine that I could use the word "just" when speaking of going to another city in South Africa? Amazing!